Raffaella Maria Roberta Pelloni, born in Italy in 1943, known by her stage name Raffaella Carra, was an Italian singer, songwriter, dancer, choreographer, television presenter, and actress.
She was in the 60's and Raffaella Carra was just beginning her artistic career, It was just at that moment that she was offered to work in a film with Frank Sinatra. The singer who was not known at the time as she was known later accepted the role that was offered to her, she did not ask about her cachet or in what casting order her name would appear.
In 1965, after moving to Hollywood after signing a contract with 20th Century Fox and following in the footsteps of her countrymen Gina Lollobrigida and Sofía Loren, Carrá landed a role in the film “Colonel Von Ryan” alongside Frank Sinatra.
Frank at that time was 28 years older than Raffaella and had set his eyes on the young woman who was only 22 years old at the time. Sinatra at that time was a man considered a star and a symbol of masculinity and beauty, who with his beautiful blue eyes attracted many women to him.
As soon as Frank met Raffaella he set his sights on her, he began to court her and the man who had never received a "no" for an answer from her this time did. Carrá had realized that Sinatra treated her differently. She commented at one point: "She was nice to me, but not to others; and on the other hand, I didn't want to become the boss's girl."
Raffaella Carrá was willing to enter Hollywood through the front door or not at all, But she would never let herself be seduced by someone she wasn't interested in. The singer knew that the path to get there was difficult, but she was willing to do it. She, too, was not seduced by the Hollywood lifestyle.
Given the rejection of “The Voice” she diverted her interests towards another actress who was also beginning her career at that time: Mia Farrow, who until now had only played small supporting roles. It was Farrow who calmed Frank Sinatra's desires. Years later, Raffaella would say: “I don't let them manage me.” What you could say, a woman ahead of time.
Her life gave her revenge when years later she met Gianni Boncompagni, author, director, and producer of her greatest musical hits. Gianni was Raffaella Carrá's first real and deep love. This man with whom the artist shared more than a decade, was her love to a large extent.
So much so that when Gianni died in 2017 Carrá did not hesitate to remember that it was he who largely built her career and that he was extremely generous with her. Speaking on the day of her funeral, she said: “I fell in love with a wonderful man. I saw his daughters grow up. I don't want to talk about work today. In recent days I expressed my affection for him.”
Then Sergio Lapino came into her life, It was the 80s, a time when the singer was in her prime and she was surprised again by this great choreographer. She fell in love again working. The tireless Raffaella was always used to working hard and Sergio did the great choreographies and set up huge sets for the singer.
The couple knew how to overcome taboos and crises, and together they managed to build an environment of happiness. Raffaella was 11 years older than her partner, nothing mattered even though the criticism continued. He put together her great musicals. At that time, the diva was making great tours and together they went out to conquer America. Argentina was a very important podium for Carrá, as was the most important festival in South America “The Viña del Mar Festival”.
